2009 in Review

As I sit here, six hours before the new year, and look back on the past twelve months, I find that a lot happened this year. Nothing earth-shattering or life-changing (in a good way or a bad way) occurred, but it was a good year nonetheless.

The ability to reflect is actually one of the best things about keeping a blog. It’s easy to go back in the archives and remind myself of all of 2009. So, let’s review, shall we? :)

January

January brought my first “serious” photography purchases. I didn’t know then what I would be getting myself into, but when I bought these items, it was the starting point of what would become a big part of my life. The initial purchase was a good lens. (And it is so hilarious to look back on those first photos now. SO BAD.) Then, we bought an external flash. The first photos I ever took with it were of food. Specifically, this recipe.

On a particularly frigid day, shortly before leaving work for the day, I visited CNN.com and saw the breaking news that would become the Miracle on the Hudson. This story really affected me for some reason. Even now, I see the TV specials about it and I can’t help but cry (happy tears). It’s just such an amazing story and I cannot believe that “Captain Sully” saved all of those people with his ability to handle a crisis.

For the first time since I started voting, I saw my guy get inaugurated as the President of the United States. I watched the entire thing streaming live on CNN.com from my desk at work, and I loved every minute of it. It was a magical and historical day.

February

In February, we jet-setted off to Las Vegas for a fun trip with friends. It was colder than we were all expecting, but it was fun and it was great to see everyone. We came home tired, but unfortunately, not any richer. :)

Against all odds, Tessa turned three. We didn’t know if she would ever see her third birthday, so it was an enormous blessing to us. Can’t believe she’s almost four now…

On February 13, we woke up to terrible, horrible news. A plane crashed just outside of Buffalo, and all on board had perished. It hit very close to home (literally and figuratively), and is still difficult to believe.

Later in the month, I reunited with my girls for the first time in six months. Thankfully, we’ve been much better about getting together as of late. We make sure to schedule something every two months!

March

We welcomed a beautiful baby nephew on March 2. We went down to meet him on March 6, and found him to be every bit as perfect as we had imagined.

I started doing a weekly grocery run, instead of going on an as-needed basis. It changed my life. Now, I can’t imagine doing it any other way.

Marie and I hosted a “bugs” baby shower for Kara, who was expecting our nephew. It went perfectly and I was so happy with how all of the special little touches turned out.

After a deep thaw, we grilled for the first time of the season. Can’t tell you how good that feels after a long winter!I moved offices at work. It sucked. I had to say goodbye to the coworkers who had become really close friends. Even though we keep in touch, it is definitely different. Eight months later, we’re not as close. I have adjusted to my new location, but look back at those as “the good ol’ days.”

I did my first “real” photo shoot, which was Hunter’s newborn photos. I sort of cringe looking back at them, because I feel like I could do so much better now, but it was a starting point for me. I enjoyed it so much that it really took me to the next level in my photography journey. It was at that point that I really started taking it seriously.

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3 Responses to 2009 in Review

Happy new year Heather! I love this recap! I’ve loved following your blog this year and I wish you an amazing year to come!I am so excited because this is the year I get married!! :)Take care,Vanessa xxx

About

I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.